Can we really be at the end of March already? It seems only yesterday that I was posting about March coming in like a lion, and here we are, on the cusp of April and the month, true to the old saying, is going out like a lamb.

The clocks jumped ahead by an hour this morning whilst the majority of us were sleeping, so we can now look forward to the longer evenings…perfect for sitting outside enjoying meals and drinks. I absolutely LOVE this time of year and even though summer is yet to arrive, I do feel that it is summer. Recently the European Parliament has voted to abolish daylight saving time in France, but not until 2021. The swallows have returned and are putting on their usual aerial display, swooping and diving as they hunt for food. The cuckoo has been calling loudly for at least the last 2 weeks, such a cheering sound and one that reminds me of childhood when we would hear the cuckoo in the woodlands surrounding the village in the UK. A bird missing from my childhood, but very present here in France is the hoopoe. This one took up prime position on my neighbour’s roof.

Unfortunately I didn’t get a very clear photo, so this next one is a stock photo from the internet.

They are very exotic-looking birds with their bold stripes, long curved beak and funky “do”, and certainly in this area they seem to be very plentiful. The distinctive call (three “oop-oop-oop’s”) is a sure sign that spring is here. Perhaps we will have a change in the weather this next week with the return of some much needed rain. I know that some farmers were already concerned about the dry earth and their crops.

The village of Hanc slumbers in the late March heat, the days grow long and all is well in the world. I’m sure it’s time for a nice glass of wine. Santé!